September

My pictures posted in reverse order this time, but here's a recap from the past two weeks. 

We finally are able to go and eat lunch with Eli and Austin. Yay! It was so fun to see them in the middle of the day. This is the first time we've had lunch with Austin since he started school two years ago. 

Eleanor had a fun play date with our little neighbor girl where they did each other's makeup. 

I love our house color, especially now that fall is here. I hosted a RS Activity at my house so I scrubbed the house from top to bottom and even bought some decorations for the porch. 

Austin is playing soccer again and even though he and the other boys rolled their eyes at the pink jerseys, I think he looks great in this color. 

Eleanor's little fish friend died and although she cried, we were grateful the fish died within the 14 return policy so we were able to get a new fish for free. She started the day in tears and then smiled walking out of the pet store with a new fish friend. 

She looked so cute sitting on the kitchen counter while I cleaned the floor. She really is so happy to have around. She sings and dances and laughs and imagines and colors. 

We enjoyed a morning play date with friends at the park. 

I loved this picture Alex had at her house so I was excited when I found it at Hobby Lobby. 

Aaron spent 2 weeks in Colorado completing his reserve duty. Although he hates leaving us and it's hard on all of us when he's gone, we're grateful he provides so well for us and is doing all he can to contribute to our future retirement. When he first left, two weeks felt like it was going to be forever and then when it was time for Aaron to come back home, the kids said, "Wow, that seemed like it went kind of fast." It's nice when the boys have school and we're in a routine to keep us all busy. 

Aaron was gone of Labor Day, but we still decided to participate in the Temple Run 5K. Eleanor was a running machine and I could hardly keep up with her. She was running and cheering others on and by cheering others on, she motivated herself along the way. 

The kids also participated in the kids 100 M dash. Adelaide even ran and she was adorable!!

On Sunday morning, we remembered that Aaron ties the boys' ties so thanks to a quick Youtube Tutorial, we were able to figure it out. 

These two boys still love to sleep with their blankets and still love to come into our room to cuddle. 

We swam so much this summer and loved that the pool was opened until Sept 12. We love hanging out with neighbors. 

Eleanor recently spotted a Claires as we were running some errands and begged me to let her go into the store. I was shocked to find so many items on the celerance rack and with the military discount, I ended up buying 6 items for $5. Eleanor and Adelaide have played with this little makeup set forever. 

After we took Aaron to the airpot, the kids were so sad. I asked them if Frozen Custard would help them feel better and that was an obvious YES!

The girls and I enjoyed a day at the zoo with our free pass. 

Seminary is keep Aaron so busy. He goes to bed early after preparing lessons and then wakes up early to get to the church. This morning we woke up at 4 am so he could get a run in before going to seminary. My calling in the RS Presidency is time consuming as well and at times Aaron and I look at each other and wonder how we can balance it all. The biggest adjustment for me has been that usually when Aaron is home, he's extremely helpful in cleaning up the dishes and helping to get the kids to bed. Now I'm trying to do all of that so he can study. I'm adjusting to him being around, but not really present to help. But, I had a thought that I'm grateful the kids can see Aaron study the scriptures and prepare for teaching. Usually his church callings have taken him outside the home so it's nice that he's around even though he's busy in a different way. I was able to go to the temple recently and I felt so uplifted being reminded that blessings come as we strive to do all that we can and rely on the Savior to help us when we feel exhausted. I have also felt grateful that even though we're exhausted, we're able to physically serve. On my mission I read "Jesus the Christ" and I remember reading about when the Savior was tired. I remember falling into my bed each night with exhaustion and thinking that the Savior must have felt so exhausted too as he served and taught and went about doing his Father's business. 

I heard this quote by Neal A. Maxwell and loved it:

“God does not begin by asking us about our ability, but only about our availability, and if we then prove our dependability, he will increase our capability.”